State money has dried up to support non-profits that educate and enlighten residents all over New York. This is the third year that state money, which is taxpayer money, has been unavailable to enable many valuable organizations to function effectively.

In Northeast Queens, organizations like the Alley Pond Environmental Center, the Poppenhusen Institute, the Bayside Historical Society, the Queens Historical Society, the Queens Botanical Garden and the Queens County Farm Museum fight to survive so that they may continue to serve and educate the community at large.

An idea has been floated by community leader and activist James Trent that would bring financial assistance to these and other groups. Money generated by the casino in southern Queens is taxed at a high rate. This money is supposed to be used in part for educational purposes. So is the money brought in by the state lottery.

Since these non-profits educate the public through school visits and other programs, shouldn’t they be entitled to a portion of the money brought in through gambling venues?

If you agree with this point of view, please contact your local state senator and assembly member to urge them to move forward to use this source of state funds to support our non-profit organizations that contribute so much to our quality of life.

The future of many of these organizations is at stake and some may close down if they do not receive financial support.